Innovation Masters: Banks at the forefront of women's business empowerment

• Female Made and Led Enterprises (FMLE)
In Kenya, SMEs, especially those led by women, face significant funding challenges due to stringent bank requirements and societal factors. Recognizing this, KCB launched FLME (Female Led & Made Enterprise), a women's proposition for MSMEs, fostering inclusivity and supporting women entrepreneurs. Since 2016, KCB has been committed to empowering women in business, with FLME representing a renewed promise to provide tailored support and robust offerings. With a pledge to disburse KSh250 billion over five years, FLME is the first project in Kenya dedicated solely to women-led businesses. In 2021, KCB disbursed KSh42 billion in loans and mobilized KSh29 billion in deposits through the program, with a decreased non-performing loan ratio. Customer feedback underscores the program's positive impact on daily needs and business growth. (Read the full case study)

• NBK RISE
NBK RISE, launched in 2022 by National Bank of Kuwait, is a pioneering Global Women's Leadership initiative designed to empower women for significant leadership roles and drive positive global change in the corporate community. The program brings together aspiring women leaders worldwide to exchange experiences and acquire best-in-class leadership techniques from renowned universities. Graduates have the opportunity to mentor future candidates, creating a self-sustainable cycle of female empowerment. NBK RISE aims to change mindsets, promote women's leadership globally, and develop top management women candidates' skills. Moreover, at the program’s launch, NBK spearheaded a pledge between leading regional and global corporations to increase women's representation in leadership positions, marking the bank’s commitment to corporate community advancement. (Read the full case study)

• Maybank Women Eco-Weavers
Maybank Women Eco-Weavers (MWEW) is a flagship initiative fostering economic independence for women across ASEAN nations. Through traditional textile weaving, the program aims to empower women economically while preserving cultural heritage. MWEW provides access to financial services, microfinance and entrepreneurial skill-building, alongside formal weaving training. Launched in 2016 in Cambodia and Indonesia, it has since expanded to Laos and Malaysia, reaching over 2,000 weavers and farmers by 2022. The program, supported by Maybank Foundation and partners, invests in local weaving centers and mulberry farms, promoting sustainable livelihoods. In 2021 alone, over RM1.8 million was invested, benefiting 319 new weavers and 227 farmers, with plans for further expansion. (Read the full case study)

• SER Impulso Mujer
Banco Pichincha's ‘SER Impulso Mujer’ (‘Propel Women Forward’) initiative in Ecuador is dedicated to advancing women's financial inclusion. Since 2017, the program has focused on microfinance and SME segments, providing tailored financial products and training for women entrepreneurs. Through partnerships and educational platforms like OVANTE, it offers financial literacy and business development support. The program's success is evident, with a 16% increase in women in the VSME segment and significant growth in credit portfolios. With a commitment to reducing the financing gap and empowering women, Banco Pichincha is making strides towards gender equality in financial services. (Read the full case study and go further with the report Banco Pichincha: Building inclusion by empowering women entrepreneurs)

• Con ME al Centro
UniCredit in Italy has launched ‘Con ME al centro’ (‘With ME in the center’), an initiative aimed at women re-entering the workforce by starting their own businesses. Partnering with institutions like Milan Polytechnic's School of Management, ISapiens, Sirolli Institute UniGens and IBM, the program offers a digital platform for free training and networking tools. Structured in five stages, participants navigate from self-assessment to business planning, with guidance from experts and interaction with fellow entrepreneurs. Notably, the program emphasizes social and environmental impacts alongside business development. With over 560 registrations in three months and positive feedback, ‘Con ME al centro’ shows promise in empowering women entrepreneurs in Italy. (Read the full case study)

• Women #MulheresPraFrente
The Women #MulheresPraFrente event, organized in May 2019 by Banco Bradesco, brought together 2,000 female entrepreneurs, businesswomen, clients, and advocates for women's empowerment in Brazilian society. With women leading some 48% of new businesses in Brazil, Bradesco aimed to highlight successful women in the market and spark deep discussions on empowerment. Split into Behavior and Business panels, the event encouraged women to continue progressing in their professions and to forge mutual connections, creating a business support network. With over 12 million YouTube users reached, 71 million content impressions and 14 million video views, the event resonated widely, fostering dialogue and support for women's advancement. Bradesco's commitment to the UN Women's Empowerment Principles and the HeForShe movement underscores its dedication to gender equity. (Read the full case study)